Dear Architects Fire Rated Windows and Doors are 100% Worth the Money

At some point in the last decade, being an architect became a rom-com signifier for a desirable, sensitive young professional (think Ted Mosby on “How I Met Your Mother”). And while that’s probably not the main reason, being an architect in 2015 means living in constant competition with your peers. There’s no shortage of fashionable architecture firms catering to every demographic of U.S. consumer.

But there’s one thing that will always give you an edge over your competition, something that never goes out of style no matter what architectural style is en vogue at any given time — safety. Besides from being a smart professional move, offering your clients the latest safety features is simply the right thing to do.

And that’s one of the many reason more and more designers are incorporating the latest fire rated windows and doors into their work. But steel windows and doors aren’t just a crucial safety innovation, they’re also a great investment for your clients. For homeowners interested in renovating their house, or commercial building owners looking to upgrade their property, steel framed windows and doors are consistently rated as offering one of the highest returns on investment.

You likely already know that 15-22% of heating and cooling loss occurs through poorly insulated doors and windows. According to one estimate, the average U.S. homeowner could save up to $465 every year simply by switching to Energy Star certified steel windows and doors. That’s because they can reduce energy loss by 30-50% in the average building.

They offer security benefits as well, as these features are far stronger and more reliable than commonly used materials. Plus, they can help protect homes and buildings in the worst case scenario — a structure fire. And since there were 1,240,000 fires reported in the United States in 2013 alone (that’s one home fire every 85 seconds), fire rated windows and doors shouldn’t be a luxury item.